William E. Gordon
The Gordons have been established as a family in Washington county almost from the time of the beginning of an organized social fabric in this region, Aaron and Nancy (Sproul) Gordon, natives of South Carolina, having emigrated with their children to this county at an early day in the settlement of this section, locating in Franklin township, where they entered two eighty acre tracts, to which they presently added another eighty, and there established a permanent home in the wilderness. Aaron and Nancy (Sproul) Gordon were the parents of seven children, Hugh, William, James, Samuel, Mrs. Nansy Rock, Mrs. Jane Mount and John, the latter of whom was the father of the subject of this sketch.

John Gordon, who was born in South Carolina on July 28, 1804, was ten years of age when his parents settled in Washington county and he consequently received all but his early childhood rearing amid the primitive conditions which existed here at that time, growing up in typical pioneer fashion, amid surroundings so graphically described in the historical section of this volume. He grew to manhood on the homestead farm and lived there all his life being active in the work of the farm until a few years before his death, he having retired from active labors some time before his final summons came, his last days having been spent with his children on the farm.

In 1836 John Gordon was married, in Monroe county, this State to Margaret Glenn, also a native of South Carolina, born on February 8, 1813, who had come to Indiana when quite young with her parents, who settled in Monroe county, where they established a permanent home, and to this union were born nine children, namely: One, who died at infancy; Nancy, deceased; Anna, deceased; William E., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Jane Robbins, of Brownstown, Indiana; James, deceased; Mrs. Martha E. Morris, whose husband died in 1915; Mrs. Mary Isabelle Morgan, who is living on the old home place with her children, and Sarah Margaret, who died at the age of seventeen years. John Gordon was reared in the strict faith of the old Scotch Covenanters and he and his wife were faithful members of the church of the rigid communion at Rush Creek, in Franklin township, their children being reared in the tenets of that faith, the family being regular attendants on the services of the church, not even the most severe weather ever hindering such attendance, and they were looked upon generally through-out their vicinage as high exemplars of right living. John Gordon died on August 4, 1889, and was widely mourned, for he was a man who had done well his part in life. His wife had preceded him to the grave on September 13, 1885, and she, too, was widely mourned, for she also had been faithful in good works, a veritable "mother in Israel."

William E. Gordon, eldest son of John and Margaret (Glenn) Gordon was born in Gibson township, this county, on September 20, 1840, and was reared to manhood on the old home place, receiving his education in the commissioned rural school of that neighborhood. On August 19, 1862, William E. Gordon enlisted in Company F, Sixty-sixth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three years or during the war, but only saw about ten months of service, though some of this was of the severest character. During the battle of Richmond, Mr. Gordon was among that considerable number of Union troops who suffered the misfortune of capture and he for some time was a prisoner of the Confederacy. He later was exchanged and rejoined his regiment. At Corinth he suffered a very severe attack of measles and was so completely incapacitated for service that in 1863 he was discharged on a physician's certificate of disability and returned home, shortly thereafter buying a farm of two hundred and twenty acres at the edge of the village of Philadelphia, in Franklin township, this county, where he built a house and where he lived, his sister keeping house for him, for about four years, at the end of which time he married Laura Allen, who was born near Bloomington, in Monroe county, this state, daughter of Robert Allen and wife. To this union were born three children, namely: Mattie, born on August 29, 1878; Carl, July 21, 1879, and Mary Algy, May 1, 1881, all of whom are now deceased. The mother of these children died on April 27, 1884, and Mr. Gordon married secondly, June 20, 1886, Elizabeth Porter, who was born in Monroe county, this state, January 15, 1859, daughter of William and Mary (Billings) Porter, prominent residents of the community in which they lived. William Porter was born in Owen county, Indiana on March 8, 1833, and on September 17, 1857, married Mary Billings, also a native of Monroe county, a daughter of Bowling and Elizabeth Billings, natives of North Carolina and early settlers in Monroe county. William Porter died on October 28, 1896, and his widow is still living, making her home with her son, Charles, on the old home farm in Monroe county. William and Mary Porter were the parents of three children, Elizabeth, who married Mr. Gordon, and John and Charles, proprietor residents of Monroe county.

After his marriage, Mr. Gordon continued to live on his farm in Franklin township and prospered largely, soon coming to be known as one of the most substantial farmers in that part of the county. In 1907 he retired from the farm, turning the same over to responsible tenants, and bought a three acre tract in the city of Salem, on which he erected a comfortable dwelling, and there he and his wife and their daughter, Ethel May, who was born on October 9, 1891, are now living, Mr. Gordon throughly enjoying the ample rewards of his long life of fruitful endeaver. He keeps the grounds surrounding his pleasant home in fine shape and is properly proud on his place.

Mr. and Mrs Gordon and their daughter are members of the Presbyterian church and are among the leaders in that communion in Salem, Mr. Gordon not only being one of the elders, but for years a trustee of the church, while Mrs. Gordon and Miss Gordon are actively identified with the woman's work of the church. Miss Gordon is an accomplished young woman who takes a prominent part in the social life of the city. She is actively identified with the Daughters of Rebekah and with the Pocahontas degree of the Red Men and finds much interest in lodge work. Mr. Gordon is a Republican and for years has been influential in local politics. In his old home township he had served as a school director and as supervisor of roads and in other ways had done much to better the conditions thereabout. He is a man of pleasing personality, a good citizen in every respect, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of the entire community.

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, INDIANA ITS PEOPLE, INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS, By Warder W. Stevens.
With Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families. Illustrated 1916 B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc. Indianapolis, Indiana
Data Entry by Jerry Morris Mounts


THOMAS MARKS
Was born in Washington County, Ind., September 16, 1834, the oldest son of eight children born to Nathan and Anna (McIntire)Marks, the latter being a native of Ireland, emigrating to this county in 1819. Our subject's grandparents came to the United States in the same year, and with seven sons and four daughters settled in Washington County, Ind. Here Thomas Marks was raised by his parents to manhood, receiving a common school education. He worked at farming and carpentering until September, 1863, when he enlisted for the late war in Company C, One Hundred and Seventeenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and with but five months exception served without interruption until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. June 1, 1871 Mrs. Sarah (Wilcox) Mitchell, became his wife and to their union two children--Ophelia A. and Mary M.--have been born. By her first husband, Cornelius Mitchell, Mrs. Marks was the mother of two children, named: Balonia Isabelle and Olive May. She was born in April, 1840, and is a member of the Church of Christ. Mr. Marks is a Republican and one of the well-to-do farmers of the county, owning 142 acres of nicely improved land.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


SAMUEL WIRES
Was born in Washington County, Ind., August 27, 1848. Thomas Wires, his grandfather, was a native of Pennsylvania, and removed from there to Brown Township, Washington Co., Ind., in 1813. In his family were two sons and five daughters. His son--Cryounce--was reared to hard work, receiving but a limited education. He was married, in Washington County, Ind., to Mary Hays, whose parents settled in Brown Township, Washington County, in 1817. To this union were born four sons and three daughters. Mr. Wires has always been engaged in farming and stock-raising. Samuel Wires, son of Cryounce, spent his youth upon his father's farm, receiving the benefits of a good education. In 1864 he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served for six months. Since his return home he has taught sixteen terms of school, and is one of the most popular and successful educators in Lawrence County. He also farms to some extent, owning 104 acres of land in Bono Township. He takes an active interest in the improvement of live stock, and is the owner of an English coach horse said by many to be the best general purpose horse in the county. Mr. Wires was united in marriage October 22, 1871, with Miss Sarah J. Tegarden, a native of the Hawkeye State, her birth occurring May 28, 1854. By this union there are three children: Minnie B, John E., and Lilian E. Mr. Wires is a Republican and has held the office of Justice of the Peace. He is a member of the Christian Church and of the G.A. R.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


WILLIAM H. SMITH, M.D.
Was born in Salem, Washington Co., Ind., September 5, 1830, the fourth of five children born to Richard and Hannah (Etzler) Smith, natives of Virginia. Subject attended the seminary at Corydon, and then entered the college at Bloomington, and after remaining one session, commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Elijah Newland, of Salem. In October, 1851, he began a course at Louisville Medical College, completing his studies at Bellevue College, N.Y. He located at Leesville, continuing that till 1862, when he took charge of Government Hospital No. 9 at New Albany; remained there till the next year, when he returned to Leesville, and settled down til l883, when he went to Bellevue, N.Y., and took a course, then attended the Polyclinics, also taking a special course in physical diagnosis. In 1876 Dr. Smith went into merchandising at Leesville; has also been engaged in farming and stock-raising, owning 900 acres of land. He was married June 23, 1857, to Miss Sallie Holland, daughter of John and Euretta Holland, of Leesville, and two children have been born to them: Ada, born April 18, 1858, and Carrie, born March 20, 1860. The Doctor is a member of the District and County Medical Societies and is an A. F. & A. M. and a Democrat.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


JACOB Y. BATES
Retired, was born in Washington County, Ind., December 9, 1820, son of Joseph and Catharine (Fringer) Bates, both natives of Baltimore, Md., the former a farmer, born June 9, 1782, and dying October 27, 1846; the latter born September 1, 1785, and dying August 31, 1846. They were married about 1804, and settled in Indiana in 1820. Subject was reared and educated in his native county, and at the age of eighteen left the farm and located in Claysville, taking half interest in a tannery, which continued for eight years. In 1850 he purchased a stock of general merchandise , and opened at New Frankfort, Scott County, remaining there six years; then moved to Austin, and remained ten years, and in 1866 located at Mitchell. He purchased an interest in the Mitchell Mills, which he operated about ten years, since which time he has retired from active business. He owns 920 acres of land, and nine houses and lots in Mitchell. He was married May 27, 1851, to Miss Emily Kelley, born in Washington County, Ind., March 17, 1827, daughter of John and Minerva (Jenks) Kelley, respectively of Kentucky and New York, and by this union two children have been born: Rosaltha, born in 1854, now Mrs. Glover, and Luella F., dead. He is a Presbyterian, an A. F. & A. M. and a Republican.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


HARVEY VOYLES, M.D.
Was born in Washington County, Ind., in 1849, son of William and Elizabeth (Kyte) Voyles, and is of Welsh origin. The early life of Dr. Voyles was given to attendance at the common schools, and in service for his father on the farm. His literary education was confined, in addition to the common school, to the Salem Academy at Salem, Washington Co., Ind., and the State University at Bloomington. In 1874 Dr. Voyles began the study of medicine, in the office of Dr. James B. Wilson, at Salem, Ind., and afterward attended lectures at the Medical Department of the Louisville University, from which he graduated in 1877, and immediately began the practice of his profession at South Boston, Washington Co., Ind., where he remained two years, and then located at Trinity Springs, Martin Co., Ind., and there remained three years, and then came to Fayetteville, Lawrence County, where he has since been in active practice. As a practitioner of medicine he has been successful. Politically he is a Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote for U. S. Grant. Dr. Voyles is one of the leading young physicians of southern Indiana.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


B. F. PROSSER
Was born December 21, 1834, in Washington County, Ind., and is the fourth son in a family of seven children born to Jacob and Phebe (Hackett) Prosser who were natives of the State of New York. In 1821 the family settled in the county where our subject was born where Mr. Prosser carried on the millwright trade, and where he died in August, 1864. His widow died in Lawrence County in June, 1880. He was a Captain in the old State Militia, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and one of the prominent early settlers of Washington County. Benjamin F. Prosser lived with his parents until his marriage, May 14, 1857, to Miss Jane M. Simmons, who was born October 2, 1835, a daughter of Abraham and Abigail (Ruff) Simmons, who were also natives of York State, and to their union have been born seven children, named: Willis, Emily M. (Mrs. William Wigley), Francis S. (deceased), L. E., Minnie, Benjamin F. and Ralph M. (deceased). For many years Mr. Prosser was engaged in the lumber business, but in later years has turned his attention more exclusively to agricultural pursuits. He owns a farm of 600 acres, is a Republican in politics, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


JOHN MILLIS
Edward Millis, great-grandfather of this gentleman, moved from North Carolina to Washington County in the early part of the present century, and after residing there a few years, moved to Orange County, where he died at a ripe old age. He reared a family of eight children, one of whom--Nichason--was the grandfather of John Millis. He participated in the battle of Tippecanoe and other encounters with the Indians. He was twice married, first to Ellen Maris and second to Rebecca Lindley. By the first marriage there were seven children and by the second one. Enoch, son by his first wife, was born and reared in this county. He married Lydia Faucett, and to them were born the following children: John (the subject of this sketch), Ann, Kiziah and Nichason. John Millis was born in this township November 9, 1845, and until seventeen years of age, worked upon a farm, and attended the district schools; he then enlisted in Company D, Sixty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. August 31, 1862, eleven days after leaving home, he participated in the battle of Richmond, Ky., where he was severely wounded in the left hip and taken prisoner. After about two months he was paroled and came home, but in less than six weeks was again with his regiment. He took part in the battles of Big Hill, Ala., Collierville, Tenn., the Atlanta campaign, march to the sea, etc. He was united in marriage with Miss Maria Bruner September 3, 1867. This lady is a native of Orange County, born April 29, 1845. Four children have been born: William A., Lydia E., Mary A. and James F.. Mr. Millis owns a well-improved farm of 250 acres; he is a stanch Republican; a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a leading, enterprising and public-spirited citizen. The country would be much better off had it more such men as John Millis.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


ABRAHAM NOBLITT
A descendant of one of Orange County's oldest families, was born in Southeast Township, November 26, 1843, and is a son of William and Mary (Holliday) Noblitt, the former born in Washington County, Ind., in 1818, and the latter one year later in Chatham County, N.C. In 1861 Abraham Noblitt enlisted as a private in Company F, Fifty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for the suppression of the Rebellion, and after serving in several important battles, participated in the Atlanta campaign, then joined Sherman's army in that memorable march to the sea, thence up through the Carolinas, finally participating in the grand review at Washington, D.C. July 17, 1865, he was honorably discharged wearing a Sergeant's chevrons, and the year following Miss Louisa Mattox, a native of this county, became his wife; to their union have been born seven children: only Herbert and Frank yet living. In 1868 Mr. Noblitt was elected County Auditor, and after serving one term, was re-elected in 1872 without position. In 1876 he began the practice of law, which he has since followed and is also engaged in farming and raising stock. In politics he is an unswerving Democrat, for three years serving as Master Commissioner of the county, and is the present nominee of his party for State's Advocate of the Tenth Judicial District. In December 1878, he was appointed and served eighteen months with entire satisfaction to all concerned, as one of the two experts to investigate the Marion County, Ind., record for a period dating back ten years. He is a member of the Masonic, I.O.O.F. and G.A.R. fraternities and as a public official, and otherwise his record is without a stain.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


JOHN V. NOBLITT
Is the son of William and Mary (Holaday) Noblitt, and was born in Southeast Township April 7, 1853. Both families were old settlers and highly respectable people. The father was born in Washington County, Ind., and the mother in North Carolina. By his first marriage Mr. Noblitt had five children: Abraham, James L., William, John V. and Nancy J. His second wife was Mrs. Nancy J. (Radcliff) Maxedon, who bore him four children: Martha, David R., Josephine and Louisa. Mr. Noblitt is yet living near Chambersburg, well respected and honored. John V. was raised upon a farm, and November 22, 1874, married Caroline Trotter, a native of Washington County. This lady died January 21, 1878, after bearing her husband two children: Eddie L. and Dessie A., both of whom are now deceased. June 8, 1880, Mr. Noblitt married Mary Holaday, who was born in Marion County, Ill., March 7, 1854. To this marriage two children have been born: Charley J. and an infant. Mr. Noblitt followed farming until 1878, since which he has been attending school and working at the tonsorial trade. He is a Democrat, a Mason and an exemplary man.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


ABRAHAM C. STILL, M. D.
Was born in Washington County, Ind., January 2, 1827, son of George Still, of Shelby County, Ky., and grandson of Murphy D. Still, of England, a soldier in the Continental Army during the Revolution. After the war Murphy located in Kentucky, where he was married, and in 1814 came to Washington County, this State. He and wife were parents of nine children, one being George W., who married Anna Hove. These parents had nine children--Abram C. being one. The father died April 29, 1860, but the mother is yet living. Abram C. was reared upon a farm with limited education, but later attended Asbury University. At the age of twenty-one years, he began the study of medicine, and later attended medical school at Indianapolis. In 1856 he graduated in medicine from the University of Louisville. He began practicing at Palmyra, continuing until 1866, when he moved to Campbellsburg and remained there until 1876, when he came to his present location (Paoli Township). He was married to Mrs. Lucinda (Chatain) Kirk, November 18, 1870. She had been twice married previously: first to John H. Warren, by whom she had four children; and second to Stephen R. Kirk, by whom she had two children. Dr. Stillhad also been twice married previously: first, to Elizabeth E. Johnson, who bore him three children; and second to Angeline Keithley, who bore him one child. Dr. Still has been successful in his difficult profession. He owns a farm of eighty acres, is a Democrat, a Mason, and a leading citizen.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


JAMES F. STUCKER
Was born in Harrison County, Ind., in 1831; son of Rev. David W. and Ann (Lister) Stucker, and is of German lineage. The father of Mr. Stucker was born in Franklin County, Ky., in 1802, and his grandfather in North Carolina in 1773, and the great-grandfather was a Virginian, and was killed by Indians. In 1806 the father of Mr. Stucker came to the Territory that now composes Indiana, and settled in what is now Washington County, formerly Harrison. At an early age he began to preach, at which he continued until his death, which occurred in 1881 at New Albany, Ind. He was one of the pioneer ministers of the Hoosier State. The early life of the subject of this sketch was spent on the farm and at carpentering. In 1861 he enlisted in the United States Army, in Company K, Sixty-third Indiana Volunteers. He was commissioned Captain of his Company in July, 1865,. Mr. Stucker was at the battles of Shiloh, Forts Henry and Donelson, Champion Hills, Raymond, Vicksburg, Atlanta, Savannah, and many others, and was with Sherman to the sea. Capt. Stucker was honorably discharged in 1865. In 1866 he came to Orange County and settled in Paoli, where he has since resided. The same year he purchased a one-half interest in what has since been known as the King & Stucker Mill, and this interest Mr. Stucker has since retained. In 1870 he was elected Sheriff of Orange County, and served one term. In 1878 he was elected to represent the counties of Orange and Crawford in the General Assembly of Indiana, and was re-elected to the same office in 1882. During the first session he introduced in the House twenty-three bills, and thirteen during the second session. The marriage of Capt. Stucker took place in 1870 to Miss Jane Jordan, of Corydon, Ind., who bore him five children, all of which are deceased and as follows: John, Minnie, Katie, James and an infant that died unnamed. Capt. Stucker is an uncompromising Democrat, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and one of the leading and honorable men of southern Indiana.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn


JAMES CROCKETT
Was born in Clarke County, Ind., April 3, 1817, a son of John and Mary Crockett. He was reared upon a farm, secured a common education in youth, and at twenty years of age began carpentering, a trade he followed many years, acquiring sufficient means thereby to make a comfortable home for himself and family. He is the owner of 205 acres of good land (in Northeast Township), is a member of the Baptist Church, a Republican in politics and cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Harrison. In 1840 he married Betsey A. Mitchell, who was born in Washington County, Ind., a daughter of John and Rosa (Benson) Mitchell. This lady died in 1847, and for his second wife Mr. Crockett married Sarah, daughter of William and Mary Elliott, by whom he became father of the children here named: Mary E., Robert N., Martha E., William A., James T., Emma and John. The mother was born February 22, 1822. John Crockett, the father of James, was born in Wythe County, Va., in 1772, immigrated to Kentucky when it was a wilderness, and joined the Regular Army of the United States. He served five years under Gen. Harrison at Fort Vincennes, Indiana Territory, afterwards marrying and settling in Clarke County.

History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Counties, Indiana
copyright 1884 Goodspeed Brothers and Company, Chicago
Data Entry by Diana Flynn